Scam artists go online with the intent to fool people. These evil elements create traps that a lot of people fall for, making them suffer from a financial loss. They lure us with dreams that will never come true. They make us want to gain, but in the end, we will lose money as that is their ultimate goal.
Beware of the traps
Digital payment methods are secure. However, what lurks online are scammers. These cybercriminals have a modus operandi for them to either be able to get your details for or make you make a payment transaction. They plan their attack by building websites, advertising via sponsored posts, or make spontaneous decisions to break the trust of those that they contact.
Big money scam
One of the signs that you are being scammed is when you are the one approached online. They will offer a business deal or perhaps even a significant amount of money, like from a prize supposedly won. There is also the scam that makes you believe that you inherited a fortune from a rich relative that died. When someone approaches you online, via email or other messaging apps, be wary that it might be a trap.
Phishing
There are also phishing emails that send you an attachment or a link to click. A common scam is an email for you to update your bank details or that for your payment provider. There are also fake customer care accounts on Twitter that will ask you for more information, such as the PIN to access your payment provider. Some send you a text message saying that they want to tell you something important and send you their email. It is like asking for your email address, and if you reply by will ask for your email addresses. Don’t click on links, attachments, or give your email address to just anyone.
Fake products
Other scams sell you something that they can’t deliver. For example, exaggerate ads promise you sure cure for cancer. The site has a guarantee, but when you read the fine print, it won’t ever give you a refund. After you purchase, that product will disappoint you. Beware before you buy, especially if what is advertised is like a ‘miracle’ cure.
Trial scams
When a website offers you a free trial, be it for a product or a service, you might make payment. There are some sites that, without you knowing it, will enroll your card to make automatic payments. These payments will either pay for the full amount or make you pay monthly. Avoid buying things on trials, no matter how alluring it is and how small an amount you have to shell out. Scammers might use your account to making an unauthorized payment transaction.
Avoid scams
When you want to avoid payment-related scams, you must be careful of traps. If an offer is too good to be true or you are requested to give your information, do nothing until you check. It is easy to check by searching online if the site or the modus operandi is a scam.